Moreton
Feby 2d 1870
My dear Henry,
It is years since I wrote a letter to you. I now write to recommend you to take Mr Col Stevens as your Chief Constable<1> – I did my best to get him the office for this County for which he was a candidate 2 years since He was well known to Sir Horatio Shirly [sic]<2> who spoke most highly of him & as I had much to do with the police here I was anxious to have had him I much advise your getting him for the office with you if you can – We are all right again here happily I have our grandchildren back with us I hope to see some society again ere long as we have been out of it all the winter but now my Brother<3> is away for ill health [it?] must wait until he returns – I hope however to ask Charles<4> to come here again ere long – Our kind love to all –
Believe me truly Your coz
Henry Frampton.
Notes:
1. This was occasioned by the retirement, after 30 years, of Captain Meredith - see Doc. No: 09603. In March, Captain Bellers was elected to the position, but this was overturned by the Home Office on account of his advanced age, and Captain Sterne finally won the post.
2. General Sir Horatio Shirley (1805-1879), grandson of Charlton Wollaston, a relative of the writer.
3. Rev William Charlton Frampton (b. 1811), Rector of Moreton.
4. Charles Henry Talbot, (2 Feb 1842 - 26 Dec 1916), 'Charlie'; 'Tally'; antiquary & WHFT's only son.